(This story has nothing to do with race, the main character just happens to be dark-skinned)
500 years ago, a man and a woman thought it would be beneficial to everyone if those with many talents and those with few talents would be separated to make each group stronger, more balanced, and live in greater peace. They agreed that only the Elite, the ones with many strengths, should hold positions in government and they should watch over the Lessers, the ones with fewer strengths. For about 125 years, it was successful.
The system began to grow corrupt, and now the Lessers now live in a large hole half a mile below sea level in the middle of the Elites' city under a large glass dome. They are now exploited in countless ways and their home is often referred to as a 'Zoo' by the Elite.
Zoe Taylor Bolter was born Elite, but was torn from her father when she failed the test that determines her fate and she was thrown into the Zoo.
Walk alongside Zoe in her journey getting accustomed to this new culture.
Elliot's partner was his whole world, but after Allan's death, his ghost haunts Elliot's dreams. Everyone tells Elliot to move on, but he isn't sure he can.
*****
It's been a year since the love of Elliot's life, Allan, passed away. Everyone thinks he should have recovered after that much time, but Allan still haunts Elliot every night. He struggles to maintain relationships with his family, and despite a coworkers interest he can't summon up the courage to date. Elliot is living for the past, because to live for the present means he'll have to live with a hole in his heart. But the question Elliot has to face chases him through his monotonous days: is mourning Allan with everything he has truly living?
[[word count: 40,000-50,000 words]]